Our visitors are a good club and picked up one of the wins of the season against Rotherham Titans at Headingley before Christmas.
They’ve had a few Sale Sharks loanees in the team in recent weeks, and we know they’re a dangerous side fighting for their lives.
We didn’t cover ourselves at their place, even though we got the win, and hopefully we’ll be better today.
It has been raining all week and looks like it’s carrying on for a while longer, so that will have an impact, but hopefully we get a win.
Rollercoaster of emotions at TJs
Last week was another different experience.
With TJs pitch unplayable we were moved to the AGP at The Judd School and as there were no facilities other than a changing room and portacabin toilet – no refreshments, no showers, no cover – we relocated to a very nice pub called The Forresters Arms.
It had a bar billiards table, so I played that for the first time in 45 years, and then we walked back to the ground.
Down 26-7 at half-time I sent Gary a text saying, ‘shall we go back to the pub’, and Seb said my face looked like thunder.
But whatever was said at the break had the desired effect because our guys played out of their skin, and despite being the walking wounded, got the win they deserved.
‘Courtiers the reason we are where we are’
I’m delighted to once again have Courtiers as match sponsor.
The support they have given to Rams during more than 30 years has allowed us to progress to where we are today.
Without Courtiers and the Reynolds family, supporting the club through thick and thin, we would not be able to offer the matchday experience you enjoy.
I’d also like to give a shout-out to our volunteers, particularly around the pitch management, because it has been extremely difficult in the past month and they’ve cracked on superbly.
Pride in National Cup defeat for Colts
Elsewhere, last Sunday we had the Colts’ National Cup last 16 game against Dorking, and there were more people watching the first team the day before!
It was a cracking game, both teams played well, and the Dorking defence won it for them (13-8) – their goal-line efforts were immense.
We threw everything at them, but in the end, it wasn’t meant to be.
Book tickets for Burns Night and Nigel Owens
More positively, we’ve got more than 75 for Burns Night next Friday, always one of the best events in the social calendar.
It’s a fantastic, well-organised event with great food, terrific entertainment, and if you haven’t booked already, I’d urge you to do so – especially if you haven’t been before.
Then on March 28 we have an Evening with Nigel Owens.
I’ve heard him speak once, and I also listened to him on Desert Island Discs recently.
He’s an interesting character, and it should be a special evening, so again, book your tickets.
Finally, we hope last week’s turnaround signals something better and we really need the crowd behind the team today.
They need to hear the support, so hopefully everyone does because they deserve it – they put their bodies on the line week-in, week out.
